FAMILY SERVICES CATEGORY WINNER

Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay has set its sights on becoming the recognized leader in placing volunteers who are 55 years old and up.

The organization currently recruits low-income volunteers, aged 55+, to work with children and other seniors and it plans to continue to provide federally-funded programming for low-income stipend volunteers. But its strategic plan also calls for broadening Seniors in Service to encourage and engage all Tampa Bay residents in volunteerism, especially those over the age of 55.

One ongoing program is the Foster Grandparent program. A senior volunteer mentors three to five children enrolled in schools with a high percentage of low-income students. Volunteers are recruited from within a 5-mile radius of the school.

“These are the most challenged students in the most challenged schools getting consistent help from a mature person who lives in their neighborhood,” nomination materials said.

The Foster Grandparent program started 50 years ago, and became a pilot for a national launch. It was nationally recognized in 2015 with an award presented by the program’s creator.

A companion program, the Lowry Park Neighborhood initiative, allows parents and other siblings in the family to participate in programs at Lowry Park Zoo with the foster grandparents and students.

There’s also a Senior Companion program, in which low-income volunteers 55 or older help frail or disabled seniors who want to stay independent in their own homes by preparing meals, helping with light housekeeping, running errands and providing companionship.

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program provides other local nonprofits with volunteers to help with education, food distribution and other needed services.

The organization uses evidence-based outcome tools to demonstrate community impact.

Seniors in Service had $1.8 million in revenue in 2015 and 13 employees. Goals include raising community awareness and diversifying and increasing its revenue stream, including additional federal government dollars, private giving and pay-for-service fees. The organization also plans to bolster the engagement and diversity of its board and continue to focus on staffing.